There are signs of a possible breakthrough in the month-old strike at the Windsor Salt Mine.
Unifor Locals 240 and 1959 and the company that owns the salt mine issued a joint statement saying they plan to return to bargaining next Wednesday.
"Over the course of the last 24 hours, the company and the union have been engaged in informal discussions about a pathway back to the bargaining table," said the statement. "The union and the company are optimistic that they will be able to work together constructively to reach a collective agreement that is fair and equitable."
On Thursday, Unifor members rallied in front of Windsor City Hall.
"It's frustrating," said Eric Brown of the bargaining committee for Unifor Local 1959. "We just want the opportunity to bargain a fair collective agreement. We're not asking for a lot."
Until Thursday night, neither side in the dispute anticipated a quick return to bargaining.
On Wednesday, the union called on the provincial government to intervene to kickstart talks.
Unifor accused Stone Canyon, the mine's owner, of insisting the union agree to outsource work before it would discuss financial matters.
"This is not how we conduct business or negotiate contracts," said National President Lana Payne.
Over 250 workers in the mine and evaporation pond walked off the job on February 17.
* With files from Maureen Revait